Brief note on binomial nomenclature

When an organism is identified, it is usually given a name by which it can be referred to. Before Linnaeus, there is no definite system of naming the animals or plants existed. Organisms were named according to local language. But keeping in view scientific nomenclature, Linnaeus has established binomial nomenclature. Bi-means two nominal means and nomenclature is the process of giving scientific names to animals and plants.

Principles of Nomenclature:

The principles formed under international code of zoological nomenclature are as follows:-

1. The system of nomenclature adopted must be binominal to indicate the name of a species and trinomial for the name of sub-species.

2. The scientific names must be Latin or Latinized words.

3. No two genera can have the same name in a kingdom and no two species can have the same name with in a genus.

4. The name of genus should be nominative singular, a single word and must begins with a capital latter. The specific name should be single or compound word and must begin with a small letter.

5. The generic name is written first, followed by scientific name and name of discoverer.

6. The scientific name is printed in italics except when it is written as tile of paragraph.

7. The name of the author is kept in Roman script.

8. The name one published should not be normally changed.

9. When a species is revised or transferred, the name of the original discover is retained but in brackets.

10. The names of families and sub-families should be based on name of type genus.